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Thanks to Home Herb and Garden CEO Patrick OBrien
Barbecues can get out of control if you are not careful. By following a few simple rules you can enjoy a safe barbecue:
- Make sure your barbecue is placed on level ground where it will not tip over, and is away from the house, sheds, fences and overhanging trees or shrubs. Don't put the barbecue where people have to squeeze past it.
- Only fill the barbecue with charcoal to a depth of about 5cm (2 inches). Store the charcoal sack well away from the fire.
- Use a proper fire lighter. Don't use starter fuel or petrol.
- Keep children and garden games well away from the cooking area.
- Never leave the barbecue unattended.
- Watch out when you are cooking fatty foods. Lots of fat spilling onto the coals might make them flare up.
- When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.
- Empty the spent ash on to bare garden soil - never put it in the dustbin.
- If you are using a bottled gas barbecue, make sure the controls and the cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.
- Change the cylinder in the open air if you can, otherwise open doors and windows to provide good ventilation.
- If you think there might be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over all of the joints and watch out for bubbles. If you find a leaky joint, try to tighten it but don't over tighten it.
- When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.
- Store your gas cylinders outside and protect from frost and direct sunlight. Don't keep more spare cylinders than you need.
- If using wood or charcoal, cover the ashes after cooking if there is a likely hood of high wind. Hot ashes blowing all over the place start fires and burn holes in clothes!
- Be careful your apron doesn’t catch on fire!
About Patrick OBrien: Patrick is a retired Master Butcher and businessman who also has broad horticultural experience. He has owned a restaurant, commercially grown organic vegetables, and he operated a herb nursery for many years.
To learn more about home herbs, garden, health, and homebiz, please visit: http://www.home-herb-garden.com
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